Nigeria's 2024 CAF Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has attributed his rise to stardom to his decision to switch allegiance from England to the Super Eagles.
Lookman, who once plied his trade in England with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, endured a tumultuous journey in England and the Premier League.
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Many branded him a flop, but the forward's fortunes changed dramatically after joining Italian outfit Atalanta in August 2022.
In the 2023/24 season, Lookman was nothing short of sensational.
He racked up 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta's UEFA Europa League triumph.
His crowning moment came in the final, where he bagged a historic hat-trick to down Bayer Leverkusen and secure the Italian side's first European trophy.
Lookman's exploits did not go unnoticed on the global stage, earning him a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or, where he finished 14th.
Reflecting on his decision to represent Nigeria instead of England, Lookman revealed the impact it had on his career.
"I think ever since I put on the Super Eagles jersey, it's been fruitful," the London-born star told SportyTV per ESPN.
"We've been able to achieve a lot as a team, and we're still growing. The camaraderie within the squad is something very special. Since joining the Super Eagles, everything has gone upwards for me."
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The switch to Nigeria in 2022 saw Lookman make his debut in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
Since then, he has gone on to help the Super Eagles reach their eighth continental final at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, amassing three goals and and an assist.